/ May 19, 2025
blue white and yellow living space by jonathan adler in palm beach

Welcome back to Design Where You Live, a monthly digest of regional trends from our editors—delivered straight to you.

This month, Homes Editor Jennifer Pfaff Smith is on the scene in South Florida, where there's no shortage of sunshine or style. From the vibrant and artistic aesthetics of Miami to the colorful, historic vibes in Palm Beach, Florida's design language comes together in a nuanced collection of breezy retreats.

Learn what makes the Florida design scene so special as we break down trending interior choices, shifts in local architecture styles, popular materials and more.

Design Where You Live: South Florida

The Big Picture

Each part of Florida is different, from the beaches to the residents—and that includes the design scene. Miami and Palm Beach are equally known for their breezy, palm tree-riddled vibes, but that’s where a lot of the similarities end.

These days, Miami is a highly creative city with a vibrant art scene, eye-catching architecture—from contemporary skyscrapers to Miami Beach’s iconic Art Deco landmark buildings—and international influence, including starchitects who are leaving their marks on the cityscape. Gone are the shiny, stark white, gallery-like interiors of stereotypical Miami condos; things have been warming up with woods, greenery and a sense of playfulness, particularly though Brazilian sensibilities.

Farther north, Palm Beach design reflects the sparkling personality of the town, which is rooted in social and architectural history, bright colors (Hello, Lilly Pulitzer!), palm prints and natural materials like rattan, sisal and woven woods. Over the years, local architecture has shifted from 100-year-old Mediterranean structures to a British Colonial inflect that plays well with its Mizner-crafted neighbors and now, excitedly, subtle touches of a California feel, particularly through iron-framed windows and doors. It’s exciting to see a fresh, youthful twist on this classic style.

coastal dining room with rattan dining chairs surrounding a table

This Jupiter Inlet Colony abode designed by Ellen Kavanaugh features a soft color palette.

pink exterior of a Palm Beach home

Read More Design In Focus Regional Roundups

The Designers + Design Spots Making Waves

In Palm Beach, Helen Bergin is one to watch. She has a fresh eye and brings art-like modernity to traditional interiors. Cece Bowman recently launched her own firm after years at Kemble, and I cannot wait to see how she uses her voice and perspective to darling, preppy interiors she creates on her own following this incredible education. Finally, Sara McCann and her team are always inspiring the local scene, especially through their retail components—everything they touch turns fabulous.

Read exclusive interviews from Helen and other top designers in our LinkedIn newsletter.

In Miami, after growing up witnessing the evolution of the city's design scene, Sabrina Maclean has since taken the helm of the firm her mother launched and expertly brings a forward feel to the endemic look. A personal favorite, Moniomi, is finally getting the attention the firm deserves, bringing bold, fantastical style to places like the Kips Bay Palm Beach Show House. And a relative newcomer to the area, Stephanie Roy-Heckl has a worldly, global sensibility that allows her to expertly mix and curate pieces of various heritages while still creating a cohesive look that feels rooted in Miami.

When it comes to shops and showrooms, a number of people and places stand out. Designer Alessandra Branca’s Casa Branca and her atelier and showroom are the most sumptuous places to admire her gorgeous textiles and masterful talent for sourcing vintage pieces. I’m also impressed by Storia Flooring, which feels more like a cozy living room than a showroom, and Arca for stone slabs—my eyes turn into hearts wandering through the maze of gorgeous surfaces. In Broward County, I’m always delighted wandering the halls at Design Center of the Americas—we’re lucky to have this incredible resource in our area to access top brands. Farther south, I keep hearing great things about Covet House, brought to the area by architect Elmar Benavente. And in Miami, I am dying to visit Otto Tiles & Design and Calimia Home.

dining area with teal Murano chandelier, wood table with chairs, colorful teal art and wood buffet
feminine kitchen with pink accents and a floral detail on the wall

Benjamin Moore’s Pink Flamingo accents the kitchen in this Palm Beach villa by Cece Bowman.

powder room with tropical-print wallcovering with pink tones, white mirror and gold faucet

About The Author

As the Homes Editor of LUXE Interiors + Design magazine’s Palm Beach, Miami and Naples editions, Jennifer Pfaff Smith reports on the inspiring work of leading interior designers, architects, builders, landscape designers and creative artisans between Vero Beach and the Keys and from Sarasota to Marco Island. A seasoned magazine journalist in South Florida, with more than a decade of expertise in covering the local luxury lifestyle, Jenn resides in Jupiter with her husband, John; daughters, Audrey and Grace; and 90-pound golden retriever, Roman. Read more of Jenn's work here.

Jennifer Pfaff Smith